Celsion Corporation Advances Proof of Concept to Non-human Primate Challenge Study Against SARS-CoV-2 With In-Process Vaccine Candidate

Celsion Corporation recently announced it has engaged BIOQUAL, Inc., a preclinical testing contract research organization, to conduct a non-human primate (NHP) challenge study with Celsion’s DNA-based approach for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The NHP pilot study follows the generation of encouraging mouse data and will evaluate the company’s lead vaccine formulations for safety, immunogenicity, and protection against SARS-CoV-2.

In completed preclinical studies, Celsion demonstrated safe and efficient immune responses including IgG response, neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses that parallel the activity of commercial vaccines following intramuscular (IM) administration of novel vaccine compositions expressing a single viral antigen. In addition, vector development has shown promise of neutralizing activity against a range of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Celsion’s novel DNA-based vaccines have been based on a simple intramuscular injection that does not require viral encapsulation or special equipment for administration.

“We are pleased to have engaged BIOQUAL to support the advancement of our PLACCINE platform research and look forward to beginning non-human primate challenge studies with the initial proof of concept based on a single variant antigen,” said Michael H. Tardugno, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Celsion.

“Over the past 14 months, Celsion has substantially expanded its vaccine competencies, resources and capabilities, reinforced with the addition of several key scientists skilled in immunology and vaccine development. The acquisition of plasmid manufacturing capability and state-of-the-art equipment in vaccine research and our investments in vector design engineering, analytical methods, and vivarium capacity have allowed for the rapid evaluation of more than 35 plasmid vectors. Rapid turnaround of novel vaccine expression systems leveraging in-house capabilities and strategic business collaborations have allowed us to refine and focus on promising formulations,” continued Mr. Tardugno. “Importantly, we are protecting our novel know-how with additional patent applications.”

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Tardugno noted, “Ongoing directional and technical guidance from our Vaccine Advisory Board, which is comprised of leaders in commercial vaccine development, virology, vector engineering and drug development, has been invaluable as we approach this critical advancement in our platform development program. We expect NHP studies to begin during the second quarter of 2022 with the goal of generating important data to inform human clinical studies.”

BIOQUAL was established in 1981 and performs contract research services focused on in vivo models of human diseases including COVID-19, AIDS, influenza, RSV infection, Flavivirus infections including Zika and Dengue, malaria, hepatitis and cancer. BIOQUAL has laboratories and vivarium under both BSL-2 and BSL-3 containment. In addition, BIOQUAL maintains CDC-approved BSL-3 containment laboratories for studies associated with Select Agents including highly pathogenic avian influenza.

PLACCINE is Celsion’s proprietary plasmid and DNA delivery technology and the subject of a provisional patent application that covers a broad range of next-generation DNA vaccines. An adaptation of the company’s TheraPlas technology, PLACCINE is a DNA vaccine technology platform characterized by a single plasmid DNA with multiple coding regions. The plasmid vector is designed to express multiple pathogen antigens along with the option to include a potent immune modifier. It is delivered via a synthetic delivery system and has the potential to be easily modified to create vaccines against a multitude of infectious diseases, addressing:

• Viral Mutations: PLACCINE may offer broad-spectrum and mutational resistance (variants) by targeting multiple antigens on a single plasmid vector.
• Enhanced Efficacy: The option for including potent immune modifiers such as cytokines and chemokines may improve humoral and cellular responses to viral antigens and can be incorporated in the plasmid.
• Durable Efficacy: PLACCINE delivers a DNA plasmid-based antigen that can result in durable antigen exposure and a robust vaccine response to viral antigens.
• Storage & Distribution: PLACCINE allows for stability that is compatible with manageable vaccine storage and distribution.
• Dosing & Administration: PLACCINE is a synthetic delivery system designed to require a simple injection and does not require viruses or special equipment for administration.

Celsion is a fully integrated, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on advancing a portfolio of innovative cancer treatments, including immunotherapies and DNA-based therapies, and a platform for the development of nucleic acid vaccines currently focused on SARS-CoV-2. The Company’s product pipeline includes GEN-1, a DNA-based immunotherapy for the localized treatment of ovarian cancer. Celsion also has two feasibility-stage platform technologies for the development of novel nucleic acid-based immunotherapies and other anticancer DNA or RNA therapies. Both are novel synthetic, non-viral vectors with demonstrated capability in nucleic acid cellular transfection. For more information, visit www.celsion.com. Celsion GmbH is Celsion’s wholly owned, special purpose subsidiary based in Zug, Switzerland. Celsion GmbH is responsible for supporting studies of ThermoDox, a proprietary heat-activated liposomal encapsulation of doxorubicin, is under investigator-sponsored development for several cancer indications. For more information, visit www.celsiongmbh.com.